A sampling of specialists and what they do from CHOP – Children’s Health Tip of the Day – December 30, 2004
Endocrinologist
Sees children with problems with growth, puberty, diabetes, or disorders related to hormones or glands.
– Short stature
– Early or delayed puberty
– Enlarged, underactive or overactive thyroid
– Ovarian, testicular or ambiguous genital dysfunction
– Diabetes
– Obesity
Geneticist
Trained to identify the causes and natural history of defects in body structures, brain development or body chemistry.
– Birth defects (physical differences present at birth)
– Conditions with one or more defects (Down syndrome)
– Conditions that cause disabilities (fetal alcohol syndrome)
– Inborn errors of metabolism (cystic fibrosis)
– Familial or hereditary problems (congenital heart defect)
Infectious Disease
Treats recurring or persistent disease caused by bacteria, fungus, parasite or other rare infection.
– Respiratory infections
– Bone or joint infections
– Tuberculosis
– AIDS
– Hepatitis
– Meningitis
Neonatologist
Handles the most high risk situations in newborns.
– Breathing disorders, infections or birth defects
– Prematurity, critically illnesses or surgeries
– Life-threatening medical problems
– Medical problems in mother or baby in the delivery room that may compromise an infant’s health
Nephrologist
Treats kidney, urinary tract disease, bladder problems or high blood pressure.
– Dialysis
– Kidney transplant
– X-ray and lab studies related to kidney disease
– Blood pressure monitoring
Rheumatologist
Treats children with pain in joints, muscles, bones or tendons.
– Arthritis
– Autoimmune disorders like lupus, and scleroderma
– Unexplained complaints of chronic musculoskeletal pain, weakness and fatigue
– Inflammatory disease
Otolaryngologist
Treats illnesses affecting the ear, nose or throat.
– ENT disorders
– Surgery of the head and neck
– Communication disorders diagnosis
Hematologist/Oncologist
Diagnoses and treats blood diseases and cancer.
– Cancers including leukemias, lymphomas and brain tumors
– Diseases of the blood (sickle cell disease)
– Bleeding disorders (hemophilia)